American Jews and conservatives divided over convergence plan

Sunday, May 21, 2006 |

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s withdrawal plan may not get the public pledge of support from US President George Bush when he visits Washington this week. Jewish organizations and leaders in the US are divided over Israel’s plan to redraw the country’s borders and are giving the White House conflicting advice about whether to support or fund the effort. Olmert, who meets with Bush on Tuesday and addresses a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, has reportedly dropped plans to ask for money for the border plan on this trip. In the US, the withdrawal is opposed by conservative Jewish voters while conservative Christian leaders, including television evangelist Pat Robertson, have endorsed the expansion and defense of Jewish settlements.

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